|
|
|
News & Tools for Washington's Counties
|
June Issue 2013
|
|
 SAVE THE DATES | |
WSAC Health Care Benefits Forum
June 5
Yakima County
WSAC Professional Development Conference
June 6-7
Yakima County
|
|
|
|
WSAC Holds Back-to-Back Conferences in Yakima
|
Professional Development Forum
Over 50 county elected and appointed officials, representing 25 counties, attended the first WSAC Professional Development Forum in Yakima County on June 6-7. The Leading for Performance Professional Development Forum was developed in partnership with the Washington State Auditor's Local Government Performance Center (Center). We wish to thank the Center for their leadership and guidance in providing high quality training and instruction tailored to elected and appointed officials.
Specific curriculum and instruction included system and process improvement, measuring what you want to change, understanding LEAN and shared county specific successes. Subjects and instruction included:
- Strategic Planning - Faith L. Trimble, President and CEO, FLT Consulting
- Public Service Model of Kaizen - Jim Benson, Lean Office Innovation
- Managing Performance with Data and Information - Brian Willett, Performance Analyst, Washington State Auditor's Office
- Financial Sustainability and Performance - Larisa Benson, Director, Performance Audit Division, Washington State Auditor's Office
- Targeted LEAN - Carlos Venegas, Principal, Lean Office Innovation
- Making it Work - Examples from Washington Counties' using process improvement; LEAN; Performance Measures; and other activities to improve service delivery, increase efficiency, and save resources:
- Larry Keeton - Director, Kitsap County Department of Community, Kitsap County Lean Process, Single Family Residence
- Helen Price Johnson - Island County Commissioner, Shoreline Exemption Permit
- John Dickson - Chief Operating Officer, Spokane County, Successful Lean Leadership in Government
To view presentation materials from the Leading for Performance Professional Development Forum click here.
Health Care Forum
On June 5 WSAC hosted nearly 60 attendees representing 30 counties at the Employee Health Care Benefits Forum in Yakima County. The forum focused on Affordable Care Act implementation; how counties are addressing delivery of employee health care benefits; and other valuable topics.
Sessions included:
- Implementation of the Affordable Care Act - John Wallen, DiMartino Associates
- Benefits and Risks of Being Self-Insured - Rob Coffman, Lincoln County and Dan Fisher, CEO of EmSpring
- Joining a Multi-Employer Health Plan: What to Consider - Jon Kaino, Executive Director, Washington Counties Insurance Fund
- Cutting Edge On-site Primary Healthcare Clinic - Cheryl Ann Mattia, Deputy Human Resources Manager, City of Yakima
- Going on Your Own, Franklin Counties' Experience - Rosie H. Rumsey, Human Resources Director
- Consumer Driven Health Plans - Nancy Kokenge, Area V.P. Client Consultant, Gallagher Benefit Services
To view presentation materials from the Employee Health Care Benefits Forum, please click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Member News |
Lovick Named New County Executive
Former State Legislator and Washington State Trooper John Lovick was named Snohomish County's fourth Executive on June 3 following a unanimous vote by the County Council. Lovick, serving as Snohomish County Sheriff for the previous five years, immediately relinquished his position in law enforcement, embracing the new role bestowed upon him. "I am honored by the confidence you've placed in me," he told Council members. "I am deeply humbled to be your new Snohomish County Executive."
Read Further
|
| Legislative Update | |
The Second Special Session Begins
The Legislature adjourned on Tuesday, June 11, the last day of the first special session, without adopting a state biennial budget. With only 19 days left in the current biennium, speculation about what will happen if the Legislature does not approve an operating budget before June 30 has been widespread. It is difficult to tell exactly how far apart the chambers are from reaching a deal.
The House passed a budget last week that raised substantially less revenue (approximately $300 million) than the $1.3 billion they originally proposed. The Senate also passed a budget last Saturday that would raise over $300 million. This represents a significant shift from the "no new revenue" position they have held all session. The major source of conflict appears to be over several reform bills the Senate is insisting upon which make changes to the workers compensation and education systems. As a result of these movements, there have been positive rumors for several days that a compromise was somewhat close. However, the rhetoric at the close of the special session was tense, to say the least.
Governor Inslee called the House and Senate back for a second special session beginning Wednesday, June 12. WSAC staff are closely following several issues including potential reductions to state grant funding for county chemical dependency programs, DUI legislation, a bill that would grant tribal governments a property tax exemption for economic development projects, and transportation funding. Please contact us if you have any questions.
|
| Job Openings |
Spokane County Public Defender
Spokane County is seeking a professional, skilled Public Defender to effectively lead and direct a staff of 82 employees (56 attorneys, as well as paralegal and administrative staff) handling a high-volume caseload. As provided by RCW 36.26, this is administrative, supervisory and participatory legal work.
|
| Outside Resources |
State Office of Public Defense Seeks Funding Applications
The Washington State Office of Public Defense (State OPD) is seeking applications for 2013 Public Defense Funding, pursuant to Chapter 10.101 RCW. Complete applications are due to the State OPD by 5 PM Friday, August 30. Please submit only one application per county.
Application More Information
|
| Agency News |
Federal Grants Aim to Curb Stormwater Runoff to Puget Sound Watersheds
The Washington Department of Ecology is offering $2 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants to eight Puget Sound communities to help curb the adverse effects stormwater can pose to the region's critical watersheds. The grants will help the cities of Edmonds, Kirkland, Mukilteo and Renton as well as King, Kitsap, Thurston and Whatcom counties plan for stormwater retrofit projects to correct deficiencies in existing infrastructure in nine targeted creek systems.
More Information
Ecology Seeks Comment on Kitsap County's Shoreline Program Update
The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on Kitsap County's recently updated shoreline master program. The proposed updated shoreline program will guide construction and development within shoreline areas throughout the county. Kitsap County has extensive marine shorelines, along with a notable amount of freshwater, lake and stream segments that also qualify as shorelines of the state.
More Information
|
| Upcoming Events |
Counties Risk Pool Recognizes 25th Anniversary at Summer Conference
The Washington Counties Risk Pool will be holding their summer conference in Leavenworth from July 24-26. The conference will include its annual Board of Directors meeting as well as a luncheon commemorating its 25th anniversary.
More Information Register Here
Advancing Government Performance
On July 16 the Local Government Performance Center within the State Auditor's Office will be hosting Dr. Shelley Mentzenbaum, a national leader in public sector innovation. Dr. Metzenbaum will be joined by other local experts to discuss performance management and process improvement. The event is free and will be held at the University of Washington.
More Information
Environmental Finance Center Network Workshop
The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) will be hosting a Leadership Training Workshop on June 26-27 at the Spokane Community College. The EFCN is a university-based organization creating innovative solutions to the difficult how-to-pay issues of environmental protection and improvement.
More Information
Transportation Improvement Board Workshops
The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) will be conducting funding workshops throughout the state and via webinar in June for their upcoming funding cycle. These workshops provide information about funding programs; the application process; and the scoring criteria used for rating projects. Training is provided by TIB staff at no cost.
More Information
|
| Affinity Program News |
Ricoh Awarded New Multifunction Printer & Document Services ContractWe are excited to announce that Ricoh Americas Corporation has been awarded a multi-year contract to supply multifunction products (MFPs) and related services through U.S. Communities. This exclusive contract was awarded through a competitive solicitation process conducted by lead public agency Fairfax County, Virginia and is eligible for use effective today. With this expanded contract, organizations will have access to solutions to manage print fleets, improve information flow, create more sustainable environments, adhere to federal regulations and reduce operational costs. Enhancements include: - Broader product offering-MICR printers, scanners, coin-ops and print/mailroom equipment
- New Managed Document Services to help increase efficiencies
- Professional and consulting services to assist with printing and document needs
- Workflow solutions and on-site management services for print centers and mailrooms
- Digital conversion of paper files to drive resource and energy efficiencies
For additional information, view the press release or the contract documents. To contact Ricoh directly to discuss how you can control costs and improve your print and document efficiencies.
|
|
SIGN UP FOR INSIDER |  |
|
|
